New Orleans among worst cities for pollen sufferers

The big picture: Everything is coated in yellow pollen right now.

• Pollen counts are high, primarily from trees and grass, according to The Weather Channel.
• Live oaks are blooming. Other common offenders are pine, pecan, tallow, sycamore, elm and cedar trees, says the LSU AgCenter's Anna Timmerman.

Zoom in: New Orleans is one of the country's allergy capitals, the AAFA says.

• The Crescent City was No. 18 on this year's ranking of 100 metro areas, says AAFA research director Hannah Jaffee.
• Last year, it was No. 2. It dropped because the weed pollen season was shorter, but it still scored higher overall than last year, Jaffee said.
• It was bumped because other cities, primarily in the West, saw above-average pollen counts, she said.

State of play: Allergy symptoms vary by person, but they can include a runny nose, a stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and nasal congestion.

• Newer antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec offer relief without the drowsiness associated with older antihistamines like Benadryl.
• They can be combined with nasal steroid sprays like Flonase.
• You can also improve your allergy symptoms by changing the air filter in your home and showering after you've been outside, advises the Mayo Clinic.